SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Monday night, the Minnesota House approved a new economic assistance package designed to help small businesses and workers struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation includes direct financial assistance to the hardest hit businesses and helps protect economic security for workers by extending unemployment benefits.
“The bipartisan assistance legislation we passed provides a bridge to small businesses and workers who are struggling,” said Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove). “We know more aid is needed, but I’m hopeful this measure will help cover the gap as we await much needed federal assistance for those who need it most.”
To help workers displaced as a result of the pandemic, the bill provides a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Without action from the Legislature, over 100,000 unemployed Minnesota workers could lose benefits on December 26 when funding under the federal CARES Act is set to expire.
The legislation also delivers a $216 million package of economic assistance to small businesses. Of this, $88 million comes in the form of direct financial aid to businesses experiencing economic harm due to the pandemic, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, breweries, wineries and distilleries with taprooms or tasting rooms, caterers, bowling alleys, and some gyms and fitness centers. The bill also includes $14 million worth of grants to movie theaters and large convention centers. The remaining $114.8 million will be made available to counties for grants to other affected businesses, including hotels, museums, arcades and live theater venues.
The bill also waives or delays a series of fees for the hospitality industry, including 2 a.m. liquor licenses for bars, caterers that serve alcohol, wastewater permitting fees for small breweries, and certain late payment penalties for food related businesses. Finally, the legislation extends the deadline for families to apply for free and reduced-price lunch.
Information and resources, including bill language, are available on the Minnesota House’s COVID-19 webpage.
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